The Meidum Pyramid

The "Meidum Pyramid," also known as the "Collapsed Pyramid," is an ancient Egyptian pyramid located in the Meidum archaeological site, about 100 kilometers (62 miles) south of Cairo, Egypt. It is one of the earliest attempts at constructing a smooth-sided pyramid and is part of the larger complex of Pharaoh Sneferu, the second pharaoh of the 4th Dynasty of Egypt's Old Kingdom.
The Meidum Pyramid was originally planned as a step pyramid, similar to the famous Pyramid of Djoser at Saqqara. However, during its construction, a decision was made to convert it into a true smooth-sided pyramid. This transformation involved adding a limestone casing to smooth out the original stepped structure. Unfortunately, the attempt to create a true pyramid led to structural weaknesses, and the outer casing began to collapse.
The pyramid's current appearance is the result of both its original design as a step pyramid and its subsequent modifications into a true pyramid. The transformation process and the issues it encountered make the Meidum Pyramid an intriguing site for archaeologists and historians to study the architectural evolution of Egyptian pyramids. Today, much of the outer casing and smooth sides have deteriorated, leaving the pyramid with a stepped appearance. Despite its incomplete state, the Meidum Pyramid remains an essential historical and archaeological site, providing valuable insights into the early pyramid-building techniques and the development of pyramid construction in ancient Egypt.
Construction and Pharaoh Sneferu: The Meidum Pyramid was built during the reign of Pharaoh Sneferu, who ruled Egypt from around 2613 BC to 2589 BC. Sneferu was the father of Khufu, the pharaoh who later constructed the Great Pyramid of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Architectural Features: The original step pyramid at Meidum was constructed with a core of limestone blocks and a Tura limestone casing. The casing was intended to give the pyramid a smooth and polished finish. It is estimated that the pyramid was initially around 93 meters (305 feet) in height.
Transformation into a True Pyramid: In an attempt to convert the Meidum Pyramid into a true pyramid with smooth sides, additional layers of Tura limestone casing were added. However, the structural integrity of the pyramid was compromised due to the steep angle of the pyramid's slope and the weight of the added casing. Pyramid Collapse: The structural issues caused by the conversion attempts led to the collapse of the outer casing and some of the inner layers, resulting in the pyramid's current stepped appearance.
Satellite Pyramid and Mortuary Complex: The Meidum Pyramid complex includes a satellite pyramid and a mortuary temple. The satellite pyramid is a smaller pyramid located near the main pyramid and was likely constructed for a queen or a royal family member. The mortuary temple was a significant part of the complex and served as a place for rituals and offerings to the deceased pharaoh.
Archaeological Exploration: The Meidum Pyramid was explored and surveyed by several archaeological missions over the years. The first modern exploration was conducted by British archaeologist Flinders Petrie in the late 19th century. Later investigations in the 20th century shed more light on the pyramid's construction and the reasons for its collapse.
Importance in Pyramid Development: The Meidum Pyramid is historically significant because it marks a crucial step in the evolution of pyramid construction techniques in ancient Egypt. It provided valuable lessons for later pharaohs who aimed to build more successful and stable pyramids, culminating in the construction of the famous Pyramids of Giza. Tourism: The Meidum Pyramid is open to tourists, and visitors can explore the site and learn about its history and architecture. However, due to its state of collapse and deterioration, climbing the pyramid itself is not permitted for safety reasons. The Meidum Pyramid stands as a reminder of the ingenuity and ambition of ancient Egyptian builders, and it continues to be an essential site for researchers and visitors interested in the history and mysteries of the ancient world.

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